Week of Sunday, June 23, 2013(93 events)

Sunday, June 23, 2013 (13 events)

Bard on the Beach:Twelfth Night and Hamlet will kick off the new Bard on the Beach season this month at Vancouver, B.C.’s Vanier Park. Showings of the two Shakespearean favorites be joined by Measure for Measure and Elizabeth Rex in July, August, and September. Tickets are $24-$43 (Canadian). http://www.bardonthebeach.org12:00am

Open Nest: The Whatcom Museum will open the Syre Education Center’s doors to the public for an “Open Nest” event from 12-5pm June 20-23 and again June 27-30 at the venue at 201 Prospect St. At the rare public opening of the space, you can view the 500-plus bird collection and see native peoples’ displays and historical pioneer, Victorian era and logging exhibits. Admission is $5 for all exhibits during “Open Nest,” and special events will be happening throughout. http://www.whatcommuseum.org12:00pm

Spring Awakening: The State Street Theatre Company presents the Tony Award-winning—and controversial—rock musical, Spring Awakening, at 7:30pm Friday and Saturday, and 2pm Sunday at the auditorium at Bellingham High School, 2020 Cornwall Ave. Tickets are $10 and additional showings happen through July 6. http://www.thestatestreetstudiotheatre.com/webs.com7:30pm

Restoration Celebration: Festivities will be happening through the weekend as part of the “Restoration Celebration” at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 702 S. Second St. The event—which celebrates the completion of the seven-year restoration of the historic Gaches Mansion—includes guided tours, a dedication, an ice cream social, live music and more. Entry is free during the celebration. http://www.laconnerquilts.com4:00pm

How Bizarre: Area artists and crafters will be selling their wares at a semiannual “How Bizarre” gathering from 11am-5pm Saturday and Sunday at Mount Vernon’s Rexville Grocery, 19271 Best Rd. http://www.rexvillegrocery.com11:00am

Dancing for Joy: “Out of the Box: When Worlds Collide” will see Dancing for Joy performers merging the fairytale worlds of Neverland, Wonderland, and Oz at shows at 6:30pm Saturday and 12pm and 6:30pm Sunday at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Tickets are $12-$15. 734-6080 or http://www.mountbakertheatre.com6:30pm

Chamber Concerts: Pacific Northwest Ballet orchestra members will be joined by Bellingham pianist Dan Sabo for special chamber music concerts featuring piano quintets and string quartets at 7:30pm Saturday at the Firehouse Performing Arts Center and 3pm Sunday at Whatcom Museum’s Rotunda Room. Tickets are $20. http://www.bellinghamhouseconcerts.com7:30pm

International Art Festival: Attend Blaine Artists’ inaugural International Art Festival from 10am-7pm Saturday and 11am-5pm Sunday at Blaine’s Peace Arch Park. Artists from around the world will show and sell their works at the global showcase, and demos, music and gourmet food will also be part of the borderline fun. Entry is free, and free parking will be available at the park’s lot on the Blaine side of the border. http://www.peacearchart.org11:00am

Art Auction: Local artist Trish Harding will clear space to make room for new major projects at a “SmART Studio Auction” from 10am-2pm Saturday and Sunday at Studio UFO, 301 W. Holly St. Original oils, acrylics, watercolors and pastels will be among the works up for sale. http://www.studioufo.net10:00am

Rabbit Ride: Join members of the Mt. Baker Bike Club for the weekly “Rabbit Ride” starting at 8:30am at Fairhaven Bike & Ski, 1108 11th St. The 32-mile route sees riders heading down Chuckanut and back via Lake Samish. 733-4433 or http://www.mtbakerbikeclub.org8:30am

Teen Writing Conference: Whatcom Young Writers and Village Books will co-host today’s Teen Writing Conference from 9:30am-4:30pm at Village Books and the Fairhaven Village Inn. In addition to connecting participating teens with professional writers from the region, there’ll be breakout sessions, panel discussions, presentations and a late-afternoon open mic. Cost is $45. http://www.writeonconference.com9:30am

Monday, June 24, 2013 (8 events)

Bard on the Beach:Twelfth Night and Hamlet will kick off the new Bard on the Beach season this month at Vancouver, B.C.’s Vanier Park. Showings of the two Shakespearean favorites be joined by Measure for Measure and Elizabeth Rex in July, August, and September. Tickets are $24-$43 (Canadian). http://www.bardonthebeach.org12:00am

Summer Spectacular Auditions: Comedians, singers, dancers, musicians, drama geeks, magicians, jugglers and many more are invited to audition for the third annual “Sizzling Summer Spectacular” local talent show at 7pm Monday and Tuesday at Lynden’s Claire vg Thomas Theatre at the Dutch Village Mall, 321 Front St. Performances take place July 19-20. 354-4425 or http://www.clairevgtheatre.com7:00pm

Summer Spectacular Auditions: Comedians, singers, dancers, musicians, drama geeks, magicians, jugglers and many more are invited to audition for the third annual “Sizzling Summer Spectacular” local talent show at 7pm Monday and Tuesday at Lynden’s Claire vg Thomas Theatre at the Dutch Village Mall, 321 Front St. Performances take place July 19-20. 354-4425 or http://www.clairevgtheatre.com7:00pm

Watershed Science: “Amazing Amphipods,” “Mud Flat Safaris,” luminaria building and much more will be part of “Art for Learning Watershed Science” creative learning activities for all ages through June 30 at Bayview’s Padilla Bay Reserve and Breazeale Interpretive Center, 10441 Bayview-Edison Rd. http://www.padillabay.gov12:00am

Backpacking Basics: Planning, preparation and gear will be covered at a “Backpacking Basics” clinic starting at 6pm at REI, 400 36th St. Register in advance for the free workshop. 647-8955 or http://www.rei.com6:00pm

Ferndale Book Group: Erik Larson’s In the Garden of Beasts: Terror and an American Family In Hitler’s Berlin will be the focus of the Ferndale Friends Book Group gathering from 7-9pm at the Ferndale Library, 2007 Cherry St. All adults are welcome. 305-3600 7:00pm

Tuesday, June 25, 2013 (8 events)

Bard on the Beach:Twelfth Night and Hamlet will kick off the new Bard on the Beach season this month at Vancouver, B.C.’s Vanier Park. Showings of the two Shakespearean favorites be joined by Measure for Measure and Elizabeth Rex in July, August, and September. Tickets are $24-$43 (Canadian). http://www.bardonthebeach.org12:00am

Summer Spectacular Auditions: Comedians, singers, dancers, musicians, drama geeks, magicians, jugglers and many more are invited to audition for the third annual “Sizzling Summer Spectacular” local talent show at 7pm Monday and Tuesday at Lynden’s Claire vg Thomas Theatre at the Dutch Village Mall, 321 Front St. Performances take place July 19-20. 354-4425 or http://www.clairevgtheatre.com7:00pm

Summer Spectacular Auditions: Comedians, singers, dancers, musicians, drama geeks, magicians, jugglers and many more are invited to audition for the third annual “Sizzling Summer Spectacular” local talent show at 7pm Monday and Tuesday at Lynden’s Claire vg Thomas Theatre at the Dutch Village Mall, 321 Front St. Performances take place July 19-20. 354-4425 or http://www.clairevgtheatre.com7:00pm

Watershed Science: “Amazing Amphipods,” “Mud Flat Safaris,” luminaria building and much more will be part of “Art for Learning Watershed Science” creative learning activities for all ages through June 30 at Bayview’s Padilla Bay Reserve and Breazeale Interpretive Center, 10441 Bayview-Edison Rd. http://www.padillabay.gov12:00am

Sign Language Classes: The Hearing, Speech, and Deafness Center offers American Sign Language classes as a free service to the community from 12-1pm on the first three Tuesdays of each month in Bellingham. Participants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. 255-7166 or 647-0910 12:00pm

Beatles Tribute: Music Aid Northwest presents 1964 the Tribute performing “A Tribute to the Beatles” at 7pm at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Choosing songs from the pre-Sgt. Pepper era, 1964 astonishingly recreates an early ’60s live Beatles concert with period instruments, clothing, hairstyles, and on-stage banter. Tickets are $21-$53. 734-6080 or http://www.mountbakertheatre.com7:00pm

Wednesday, June 26, 2013 (14 events)

Bard on the Beach:Twelfth Night and Hamlet will kick off the new Bard on the Beach season this month at Vancouver, B.C.’s Vanier Park. Showings of the two Shakespearean favorites be joined by Measure for Measure and Elizabeth Rex in July, August, and September. Tickets are $24-$43 (Canadian). http://www.bardonthebeach.org12:00am

Bard on the Beach:Twelfth Night and Hamlet will kick off the new Bard on the Beach season this month at Vancouver, B.C.’s Vanier Park. Showings of the two Shakespearean favorites be joined by Measure for Measure and Elizabeth Rex in July, August, and September. Tickets are $24-$43 (Canadian). http://www.bardonthebeach.org12:00am

Watershed Science: “Amazing Amphipods,” “Mud Flat Safaris,” luminaria building and much more will be part of “Art for Learning Watershed Science” creative learning activities for all ages through June 30 at Bayview’s Padilla Bay Reserve and Breazeale Interpretive Center, 10441 Bayview-Edison Rd. http://www.padillabay.gov12:00am

Quilt Exhibit Openings: “From Nature’s Studio: Work by Regina V. Benson” and “Kaleidoscope: Fiber Embroidery by Liz Whitney Quisgard” can be seen starting today at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 702 S. Second St. The works can be viewed through Oct. 6. http://www.laconnerquilts.com12:00am

Pro Editing Info Session: Learn more about Western Washington University’s Extended Education Class, “Professional Editing for Print & Online,” at an info session from 5:30-6:30pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. Classes start in September. http://www.acadweb.wwu.edu5:30pm

GROUP RIDE: The Mt. Baker Bike Club hosts a Group Ride starting every Wednesday at 6pm at Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave. Be prepared to ride for 30 miles at a race/training pace, and regroup at the brewery following the excursion. http://www.mtbakerbikeclub.org6:00pm

Modern Dance Class: Former Paul Taylor dancer Tom Evert, now of DancEvert, will teach a modern dance master class from 6-7:30pm at the Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave. Cost is $15. 676-4113 6:00pm

Mediterranean Plates: “Small Plates of the World: Eastern Mediterranean” will be the focus of a cooking class with Jesse Otero from 6-8:30pm at the Cordata Community Food Co-op, 1220 N. Forest St. Entry is $39. 383-3200 6:00pm

Backyard Chickens: Anacortes chicken-keeper Linda Zielinkski will help you decide whether keeping egg-layers is for you at a “Backyard Chickens” presentation at 6:30pm at Mount Vernon’s Skagit Valley Food Co-op. Register in advance for the free talk. http://www.skagitfoodcoop.com6:30pm

Boys in the Boat: Seattle’s Daniel James Brown reads from The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and the Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics at 7pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. http://www.villagebooks.com7:00pm

The Wonder of Aging: Bestselling author and therapist Michael Gurian shares ideas from his book The Wonder of Aging at 7pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. The book offers a comprehensive look at the emotional, spiritual, and cognitive dimensions of life after 50. 671-2626 7:00pm

Scottish Country Dance Social: Join the Scottish Country Dance Club from 7-9:30pm every Wednesday for a public dance at the Fairhaven Library, 1117 12th St. Beginners and intermediate dancers are welcome, and no partner or experience is needed. Drop-in fees are $8, but those who are showing up for the first time will gain free entry. http://www.bellinghamscd.org7:00pm

Thursday, June 27, 2013 (18 events)

Bard on the Beach:Twelfth Night and Hamlet will kick off the new Bard on the Beach season this month at Vancouver, B.C.’s Vanier Park. Showings of the two Shakespearean favorites be joined by Measure for Measure and Elizabeth Rex in July, August, and September. Tickets are $24-$43 (Canadian). http://www.bardonthebeach.org12:00am

Bard on the Beach:Twelfth Night and Hamlet will kick off the new Bard on the Beach season this month at Vancouver, B.C.’s Vanier Park. Showings of the two Shakespearean favorites be joined by Measure for Measure and Elizabeth Rex in July, August, and September. Tickets are $24-$43 (Canadian). http://www.bardonthebeach.org12:00am

Open Nest: The Whatcom Museum will open the Syre Education Center’s doors to the public for the final week of “Open Nest” from 12-5pm Thursday through Sunday at the venue at 201 Prospect St. At the rare public opening of the space, you can view the 500-plus-bird collection and see native peoples’ displays and historical pioneer, Victorian era and logging exhibits. Admission is $5 for all exhibits during “Open Nest,” and special events will be happening throughout. http://www.whatcommuseum.org12:00pm

Watershed Science: “Amazing Amphipods,” “Mud Flat Safaris,” luminaria building and much more will be part of “Art for Learning Watershed Science” creative learning activities for all ages through June 30 at Bayview’s Padilla Bay Reserve and Breazeale Interpretive Center, 10441 Bayview-Edison Rd. http://www.padillabay.gov12:00am

JustinCredible Sideshow: Circus skills, sideshow stunts—including sword-swallowing, shoe juggling, and a “very strange” competition—live music by Phina Pipia and much more will be part of “JustinCredible Sideshow” performances with area performers JustinCredible and Strangley at 7pm Thursday (Franklin Park), Friday (Elizabeth Park), Saturday (Roosevelt Park), and Sunday (Fouts Park). Weather permitting, shows will be held outside. Entry is by donation. http://www.justincrediblesideshow.com7:00pm

Bird Tours: As part of the “Open Nest” exhibit continuing June 27-30 at Whatcom Museum’s Syre Education Center (201 Prospect St.), attend a “Birds on the Fly!” tour at 1pm Thursday and “Adapting to Life on the Sea and Marsh” tour at 2pm Sunday. Tours are free, and no pre-registration is necessary. http://www.whatcommuseum.org1:00pm

Lynden Farmers Market: Fresh veggies, fruit, meat and arts and crafts can be had at the Lynden Farmers Market, which takes place from 1-6pm every Thursday through Sept. 26 at Fourth and Front streets. 961-4061 1:00pm

Jazz and Sketching: Local jazz historian Milt Krieger leads an After Hours Art program from 5:30-7:30pm at Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building, 250 Flora St. A jazz art display, live drawing demos by Trish Harding and reading of Bellingham Jazz by poet Clayton Mederios will be part of the fun. Entry is $5. http://www.whatcommuseum.org5:30pm

Elizabeth Park Summer Concert Series: The annual summer music series kicks off with a performance featuring the funk sounds of Snug Harbor from 6-8pm at Bellingham’s Elizabeth Park. The free concerts occur every Thursday through August 29 at the Columbia neighborhood park. http://www.cob.org6:00pm

Grilling With Herbs: Co-op deli chef Paul Manthe focuses on “Grilling With Fresh Herbs” from 6:30-9pm at the Community Food Co-op, 1220 N. Forest St. Entry is $39. 383-3200 6:30pm

Wine and Food: Chef Andy Nguyen from Chuckanut Manor will lead a “Wine and Food Pairing” course with Vin duLac Winery from 6:30-9pm in Mount Vernon at Gretchen’s Kitchen, 509 S. First St. Entry is $50. http://www.gretchenskitchen.com6:30pm

Folk Dance Party: Learn Balkan, Israeli, Romani and Greek dancing with the Fourth Corner Folk Dancers from 7-10pm every Thursday at the Fairhaven Library, 1117 12th St. Suggested donation is $5 (first-time visitors and students are free). 380-0456 7:00pm

Fourth Corner Folk Dancers: Learn Balkan folk dances with the Fourth Corner Folk Dancers from 7:15-10:15pm every Thursday at the Fairhaven Library, 1117 12th St. All ages are welcome, and no partner is necessary. Suggested donation is $5; first-time visitors and students are free. 380-0456 7:15pm

GOOD, BAD, UGLY: Watch “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” at 8pm every Thursday at the Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St. At 10pm, stick around for “The Project.” Entry is $7 for the early show, $4 for the late one. 733-8855 or http://www.theupfront.com8:00pm

Friday, June 28, 2013 (15 events)

Hodgepodge: Classic, high-energy games and long form improv can both be seen at “Hodgepodge” shows at 8pm and 10pm Friday and Saturday at the Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St. Tickets are $8-$10. http://www.theupfront.com8:00pm

Bard on the Beach:Twelfth Night and Hamlet will kick off the new Bard on the Beach season this month at Vancouver, B.C.’s Vanier Park. Showings of the two Shakespearean favorites be joined by Measure for Measure and Elizabeth Rex in July, August, and September. Tickets are $24-$43 (Canadian). http://www.bardonthebeach.org12:00am

Open Nest: The Whatcom Museum will open the Syre Education Center’s doors to the public for the final week of “Open Nest” from 12-5pm Thursday through Sunday at the venue at 201 Prospect St. At the rare public opening of the space, you can view the 500-plus-bird collection and see native peoples’ displays and historical pioneer, Victorian era and logging exhibits. Admission is $5 for all exhibits during “Open Nest,” and special events will be happening throughout. http://www.whatcommuseum.org12:00pm

Watershed Science: “Amazing Amphipods,” “Mud Flat Safaris,” luminaria building and much more will be part of “Art for Learning Watershed Science” creative learning activities for all ages through June 30 at Bayview’s Padilla Bay Reserve and Breazeale Interpretive Center, 10441 Bayview-Edison Rd. http://www.padillabay.gov12:00am

JustinCredible Sideshow: Circus skills, sideshow stunts—including sword-swallowing, shoe juggling, and a “very strange” competition—live music by Phina Pipia and much more will be part of “JustinCredible Sideshow” performances with area performers JustinCredible and Strangley at 7pm Thursday (Franklin Park), Friday (Elizabeth Park), Saturday (Roosevelt Park), and Sunday (Fouts Park). Weather permitting, shows will be held outside. Entry is by donation. http://www.justincrediblesideshow.com7:00pm

Loggerodeo: Helicopter rides, woodcarving competitions, arts and crafts, a carnival, a beard contest, parades, bluegrass jamborees, logging exhibitions, two days of rodeos, a footrace, and a fireworks display will be part of the annual “Loggerodeo” happening June 28-July 4 throughout Sedro-Woolley. Many events are free. http://www.loggerodeo.com12:00pm

Cemetery Tour: The second in a series of monthly nature walk tours featuring native plants, animals and other organisms living along Cemetery Creek takes place at 12:30pm at Bayview Cemetery, 1420 Woburn St. Entry is free, but reservations are a must. 778-7150 12:30pm

Bird Art Workshop: Take a look at the birds in the Syre Education Center and then attend a “Clay Bird Art” workshop starting at 2pm at the center at 201 Prospect St. Please register in advance. Entry is $5. 778-8960 or http://www.whatcommuseum.org2:00pm

VIGIL FOR PEACE: Join the longest-running Peace Vigil in the country—48 years and counting—from 4-5pm every Friday afternoon at the corners of Cornwall Avenue and Magnolia Street. http://www.whatcompjc.org4:00pm

Girls Night Out: All are welcome to attend Girls Night Out from 4-8pm throughout historic Fairhaven and at a "Backyard Bash" from 8-11pm at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The annual benefit to help raise money for the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Research Center. Discounts, giveaways, artists, prizes and more will happen during the early hours, and the "Backyard Bash" will include a gala party, fashion show, auctions, a DJ and much more. http://www.girlsnightoutfairhaven.com4:00pm

Friday Ferry Farewells: Starting this week, attend “Free Friday Ferry Farewells” at 6pm at the Community Boating Center, 555 Harris Ave. Attendees can snag a ride aboard The Coot and head out on the water to say “bon voyage” to the Alaska ferry, which departs from Bellingham Bay every Friday. Attendance is by donation, but passengers must sign up in advance. 714-8891 or http://www.boatingcenter.org6:00pm

Artists and Community Appreciation Celebration: An annual Artists and Community Appreciation Celebration happens from 7-9pm at the Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave. Artists and community members of the Firehouse are invited for an evening of food, local music, camaraderie and artistic inspiration. Entry is free; food donations to share are appreciated. 734-2776 7:00pm

Back Alley Cats: Song and dance routines, vaudevillian sketches, comedy and more when the new in-house cabaret troupe, the Back Alley Cats, perform at 8pm at Mount Vernon’s 1st Street Cabaret, 612 S. 1st St. Entry is $5 at the door. http://www.riverbelledinnertheatre.com8:00pm

Saturday, June 29, 2013 (29 events)

Hodgepodge: Classic, high-energy games and long form improv can both be seen at “Hodgepodge” shows at 8pm and 10pm Friday and Saturday at the Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St. Tickets are $8-$10. http://www.theupfront.com8:00pm

Bard on the Beach:Twelfth Night and Hamlet will kick off the new Bard on the Beach season this month at Vancouver, B.C.’s Vanier Park. Showings of the two Shakespearean favorites be joined by Measure for Measure and Elizabeth Rex in July, August, and September. Tickets are $24-$43 (Canadian). http://www.bardonthebeach.org12:00am

Open Nest: The Whatcom Museum will open the Syre Education Center’s doors to the public for the final week of “Open Nest” from 12-5pm Thursday through Sunday at the venue at 201 Prospect St. At the rare public opening of the space, you can view the 500-plus-bird collection and see native peoples’ displays and historical pioneer, Victorian era and logging exhibits. Admission is $5 for all exhibits during “Open Nest,” and special events will be happening throughout. http://www.whatcommuseum.org12:00pm

Watershed Science: “Amazing Amphipods,” “Mud Flat Safaris,” luminaria building and much more will be part of “Art for Learning Watershed Science” creative learning activities for all ages through June 30 at Bayview’s Padilla Bay Reserve and Breazeale Interpretive Center, 10441 Bayview-Edison Rd. http://www.padillabay.gov12:00am

JustinCredible Sideshow: Circus skills, sideshow stunts—including sword-swallowing, shoe juggling, and a “very strange” competition—live music by Phina Pipia and much more will be part of “JustinCredible Sideshow” performances with area performers JustinCredible and Strangley at 7pm Thursday (Franklin Park), Friday (Elizabeth Park), Saturday (Roosevelt Park), and Sunday (Fouts Park). Weather permitting, shows will be held outside. Entry is by donation. http://www.justincrediblesideshow.com7:00pm

Loggerodeo: Helicopter rides, woodcarving competitions, arts and crafts, a carnival, a beard contest, parades, bluegrass jamborees, logging exhibitions, two days of rodeos, a footrace, and a fireworks display will be part of the annual “Loggerodeo” happening June 28-July 4 throughout Sedro-Woolley. Many events are free. http://www.loggerodeo.com12:00pm

Garden Walk: Take a self-guided tour of private gardens from 10am-4pm at the Sandy Point & Neptune Beach Garden Walk in Ferndale. Look for posters or balloons pointing the way, and stop by the Sandy Point Fire Hall to view and purchase art by local creative types. Entry is free. 384-6409 10:00am

Art and Gardens: As part of the Sandy Point & Neptune Beach Garden Walk happening this weekend, view and/or purchase art by local artists from 10am-4pm near Ferndale at the Sandy Point Fire Hall, 4332 Sucia Dr. 384-6409 10:00am

Fairhaven Walking Club: Whether you’re looking to improve or compete, all are welcome at the weekly Fairhaven Walking Club led by Cindy Paffumi starting at 8am at various locations in Fairhaven. Walk routes and meeting places change from week to week. All paces are welcome. 676-4955 or 319-3350 8:00am

Run/Walk for Literacy: Village Books and Fairhaven Runners team up to present the 14th annual “5K Run/Walk for Literacy” starting at 9am at the Fairhaven Village Green. The race will be followed by live music, food, awards and prize drawings. Entry is $15 per person or $25 per family; funds raised benefit the Whatcom Literacy Council. http://www.villagebooks.com or www.fairhavenrunners.com 9:00am

Breadfarm Open House: As part of today’s International Bakery Open House, head to Edison for an Open House at Breadfarm, 5766 Cains Court. Tours showcasing mixing, break shaping and baking in a hearth stone oven happen at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Please reserve a spot in advance. (360) 766-4065 or http://www.breadfarm.com9:00am

Rpse Festival: “A Rosy Day Out” will be the theme of the 10th annual Rose Festival happening from 9am-6pm at Mount Vernon’s Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Rd. The festival features a rose display, workshops, keynote speakers Ciscoe Morris and John Christianson and open time to talk to the experts from the Tri-Valley Rose Society. http://www.christiansonsnursery.com9:00am

Winter Gardens: Learn how to grow and harvest vegetables (almost) year-round at a “Planning and Planting Your Winter Garden” course at 10:30am at Everson’s Cloud Mountain Farm, 6906 Goodwin Rd. Entry is free and no registration is required. http://www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org10:30am

Bellingham Kids Traverse: The inaugural Bellingham Kids Traverse—which, like its parent event, celebrates the lifecycle of wild salmon through various feats of athleticism—kicks off at 11am at Civic Field, 1355 Civic Field Way. Kids ages 6 to 14 can compete solo, tandem or on relay teams. Cost is $25-$60. http://www.recreationnorthwest.org11:00am

Feathers and Flight: Create bird art with Laurie Potter at a “Feathers and Flight in Fine Art” workshop from 1-3pm at Whatcom Museum’s Syre Education Center, 201 Prospect St. Entry is $5 and pre-registration is required. 778-8960 or http://www.whatcommuseum.org1:00pm

Hard Cheese Class: Seattle’s Mark Solomon will focus on cheddar and gouda at a “Make Your Own Hard Cheese” course from 1-4pm at the Cordata Community Food Co-op, 315 Westerly Rd. Cost is $55. 383-3200 1:00pm

Line Dancing Classes: Western Line Dancing classes are offered at 6pm (beginners) and 7pm (intermediates) every Friday night at Lynden’s Ten Mile Grange, 6958 Hannegan Rd. No experience or partner is needed. Cost is $5 per class. 354-4325 6:00pm

SpeakEasy 11: Eleven poets will give an expanded presentation of a single poem at tonight’s “SpeakEasy 11” reading at 7pm at the Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave. Each poet will have up to 10 minutes to read and discuss an original poem and then answer questions about it from the audience. Participating poets include Nancy Pagh, Matthew Brouwer, J.I. Kleinberg, Luther Allen, Jeanne Yeasting, Sue Erickson, Caitlin Thomson, Caleb Barber, Sheila Sondik, and Ryler Dustin. Entry is by http://www.othermindpress.wordpress.com7:00pm

Dance Studio Show: “Where Memories Begin”—a dance production celebrating the life of a dancer growing up—can be seen at Dance Studio performances at 7:30pm Saturday and 2pm Sunday at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Dances inspired from multiple countries and decades will be featured, as will the Adagio Troupe, featuring dads of the dancers. Tickets are $14. 734-6080 or http://www.mountbakertheatre.com7:30pm